State & Regional News | The Daily Chronicle

Authorities have released updated photos of Travis Decker, who’s wanted in the deaths of his three young daughters, warning the 32-year-old suspect may have changed his appearance.(Chelan County Sheriff's Office/TNS)

New evidence implicates Travis Decker as sole suspect in deaths

A poster displaying information about Travis Decker hangs Tuesday at the at the Stuart Lake Trailhead outside Leavenworth. New evidence points to Travis Decker as the sole suspect in the deaths … more

Jenni Rodas / The Wenatchee World (TNS) | 7/2/25

Increased outdoors fees in effect as of July 1

In a controversial decision, Washington State has approved a significant increase in recreational fishing and hunting license fees, which officially took effect July 1. "This bill proposes an … more

Nance Beston / Columbia Basin Herald (TNS) | 7/2/25

Washington state Wildlife commission sued, accused of ‘egregious’ violations of records law

A national sportsmen's group says it has found “egregious” violations of Washington’s Public Records Act by the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife commissioners, and it's … more

Shauna Sowers / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/2/25

Microsoft to lay off as many as 9,000 employees in latest round

Microsoft is kicking off its fiscal year by firing thousands of employees in the largest round of layoffs since 2023, the company confirmed Wednesday. In an ongoing effort to streamline its … more

Alex Halverson / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/2/25

Ferguson selects Florida shipbuilder to build Washington state fleet of electric ferries

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson chose the sole out-of-state shipbuilder to construct the state's new generation of electric ferries, opting for the lower-cost bid over supporting Washington's local … more

Nicholas Deshais / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/2/25

Washington's Nick Brown is among the state attorneys general suing over the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for sharing Medicaid patients’ files with the Department of Homeland Security. (Photo by Ryan Berry/Washington state Standard)

Oregon, Washington sue Trump admin for sharing Medicaid files with immigration enforcement

Oregon and Washington’s attorneys general are suing the federal government for sharing residents’ Medicaid records with federal immigration enforcement officials. Oregon Attorney … more

By Mia Maldonado / Oregon Capital Chronicle | 7/1/25

Suspect in Seattle journalist attack contacts victim; still no arrest

Sixteen days after a brutal attack on an independent journalist as he was covering anti-ICE protests in Seattle, the alleged suspect has still not been arrested. The attack was captured on video. … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 7/1/25

Former U.S. attorney for Western Washington and current state Attorney General Nick Brown answers a question during a debate between attorney general candidates hosted by The Chronicle in the TransAlta Commons at Centralia College on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Washington leading group of states suing Trump admin over K-12 mental health program cuts

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and 15 other state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education, alleging it cut funding for K-12 mental health programs … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 7/1/25

Trucking industry says Washington has ‘failed’ it regarding electric vehicle mandates

While recent remarks made at meetings and in reports by the State Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council accuse the trucking industry of undermining efforts to transition to electric commercial … more

By TJ Martinell / The Center Square | 7/1/25

Washington state's gas tax increased 6 cents per gallon on July 1, 2025.

More pain at the pump: Washington state's 6-cent per gallon gas tax hike now in effect

Motorists in Washington state are experiencing gas prices higher than the national average, in contrast to declining gas prices across much of the rest of the nation in recent months. As of … more

By Brett Davis / The Center Square | 7/1/25

Ocean Shores firefighters respond to a dune grass fire on the Fourth of July in 2024.

Leaders on Southwest Washington coast consider whether fireworks should be banned

Like the opening salvo of the First Gulf War. That’s how Long Beach Police chief Flint Wright describes the annual Independence Day scene that plays out on the beach in front of this Pacific … more

By Gregory Scruggs / The Seattle Times | 7/1/25

A young Roy Rodeo attendee bows his head in prayer before the annual event began on Saturday, May 31.

Analysis reveals divided views on teacher-led prayer in public schools in Washington vs. Idaho

A new analysis published last week by the Pew Research Center shows differences between adults in Washington and Idaho and their views on prayer in public school. Washington remains one of the … more

By Cassy Benefield / favs.news via States Newsroom | 7/1/25

21-year-old missing for months possibly spotted on doorbell cam, Washington state family says

A 21-year-old man with autism may have been spotted on a doorbell camera months after he vanished from his Washington home, his family said. The front door security camera footage was captured … more

Helena Wegner / The Bellingham Herald (TNS) | 7/1/25

Paddleboarder found dead 150 yards from shore after falling off board, Washington state cops say

A missing paddleboarder was found dead after falling off her board, Washington deputies said. On June 28, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Dive Rescue and Recovery Team was called by … more

Paloma Chavez / The News Tribune (TNS) | 7/1/25

How and where to safely enjoy fireworks in Thurston County this July 4

Ahead of the July 4 holiday, it is important to understand how to properly set off and dispose of fireworks to enjoy a safe celebration. And for those looking to celebrate July 4 with fireworks … more

Ann Duan / The Olympian (TNS) | 7/1/25

PICC staff member Ronda rocks last baby June 30, 2025. WA DCYF cancels contract with PICC, after 35 years caring for drug addicted newborns.

Washington state facility that treats drug-addicted newborns at risk of closure due to budget cuts

After 35 years, the Pediatric Interim Care Center in Kent – the only specialized medical facility in western Washington caring for drug-exposed babies – stopped accepting new intakes on … more

Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 7/1/25

Norman Schwarzkopf, then a lieutenant general, transfers his command jeep to Alan Archambault, director of the Lewis Army Museum, in 1987.

Battle begins to keep an Army museum open in Washington

The U.S. Army is looking to shutter more than two dozen military museums, including Washington’s “gem” at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Pierce County. Lewis Army Museum is … more

Jerry Cornfield / Washington State Standard | 7/1/25

An Eastern Washington pest is acting up in the North Cascades

Parts of the North Cascades and Mount Baker are facing an outbreak of the western spruce budworm, aerial surveys reveal. The outbreak is still early and, compared with past events, modest in … more

Amanda Zhou / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/1/25

Washington state Supreme Court OKs ‘secretive’ process for state worker union negotiations

Public records advocates in Washington are lamenting a recent state Supreme Court decision that keeps the public in the dark about union contracts, even after negotiations are over. In a … more

Wendy Culverwell / The Bellingham Herald (TNS) | 7/1/25

Washington state’s ‘shot across the bow’ on guest workers targets Yakima-area farm

A Toppenish farm faces legal action brought by the state attorney general’s office following allegations managers hired guest workers rather than local farmworkers while also discriminating … more

Claire Bernard / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/1/25